I always thought of Mel as a gentle giant.  He always had time for his family and friends, a gentle smile a warm handshake. He would take time to answer questions,  listen to your thought, and give sound advice.  I learned a lot from Mel as we would talk and walk around their yard about the trees and plants, and I was jealous that they had dear walk through their yard.  I loved listening to him talk about the walks he took his students  and how they would take the pathway and he would walk straight up the side and beat them every time.   He had much respect for his fellow man and would do all he could to help them along their path.  I will miss him and our phone calls checking on his family.

During my 15 years at GVSU, we met and talked many times. Mel was a great colleague; he was kind, sympathetic, and supportive. After his retirement, I saw him once, and he could see that I was troubled by something. He inquired, and then, as a caring colleague, he hugged me and said, 'circumstances will change for the better; just be patient.' His absence is a great loss, and I express my deepest condolences to his family and friends!

This is one of my favorite series of pictures - Dad blowing straw papers in a restaurant perfectly shows his silly sense of humor!

I met Mel and his family in 1983 when I moved to Michigan for my first job after I finished graduate school. I knew no one and was living in motels. Mel and Joanna befriended me, made me feel like part of the family and found me a home to  live in. I will always remember Mel for his big heart, undying sense of humor, generous spirit and dedication to his family and friends of which I feel fortunate to have been one of them. And he gave us Emma, who has been  a true friend and is much like her dad. He will be missed!

When I last saw him at church a couple weeks ago (not something he was free to do but very little - until Emma came home to help), I patted him on the shoulder in fond greeting of a long time friend and colleague at church.  Seeing or greeting him always brought memories of his quiet, dedicated and faithful service - in whatever endeavor I encountered him.  He was a great example to me of such qualities.  I think of that kind of influence as we worked together in the Bishopric and in Scouting.  He lived what he taught… at church, school and in the community.
I will always appreciate his part in my life

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Professor Northup.  As a student in the land use planning program at GVSU in the mid-70's, I learned my basic knowledge of soil science from Professor Northup, which served me well over my 30 plus years as a planning consultant.  I remember our Buckman and Brady text, and I also was grateful that Professor Northup took several of us students to the Soil and Water Conservation Society conference in Chicago.  Rest in Peace Professor.
Jan Norman Johnson, AICP

I'll miss Mel. I worked with him on church matters for years. He was humble, hardworking, devoted, and kind. After things changed and I moved away, I would call him periodically. I talked to him a few months ago and he seemed well and appreciative of Emma and her help. He was a good man and I extend my condolences to the family and pray that those who mourn will be comforted in this time of loss.

Mel was my advisor at GVSU and I know he is already greatly missed. He cared so much for his students. He always made sure I was taking care of myself by asking if I was still doing my hobbies outside of school. He made the best bread and I'm so glad he shared his recipes with me! When he found out my favorite flowers are peonies, he always sent me photos of the ones in his yard when they bloomed each summer.

The loss of Uncle Mel came as a huge shock and saddens me deeply. We had spoken recently and had promised to once again set up a smart way to be able to video chat as a family group. Of course Uncle Mel knew a platform that the rest of us had never heard of! He was a wonderfully dedicated family man and so modestly smart, humble and kind. I remember learning he was a Rhodes Scholar and it making perfect sense. He was a fountain of knowledge and was happy to share his knowledge with anyone who was interested (and maybe anyone who wasn't 😊). As a very small family, his loss will be felt dearly.

Mel, your passing left all of us in shock. One of my earliest, most vivid memories of you was the first time I spent the night with Emma. And I got scared, and you walk me back up through the backyards to my parents house. I was lucky to have a bonus dad like you.  You always had something wise  or good advice to offer.  You worked very hard down to your last day, and I think of you frequently while I'm walking on my farm, about the one time I remember you getting cross with me once, at me, I left a rake with the tines up. I know now what kind of problems that can bring.  I wish you'd have gotten the opportunity to see the place.

I find it rare that anyone shares my birthday. My uncle did and opened a door for us to bond. 

Growing up, I did not understand how smart he was or all of his amazing accomplishments. He was my uncle and the person that taught me to play Monopoly. We would visit and spend days in the basement playing very, very competitive Monopoly.  Or, at least I thought it was competitive. 

As I got older, life stepped in the way of the regular vacations and phone calls. We didn’t grow apart but we grew smarter. The conversation evolved and I learned how to analyze questions. I learned to be smarter. I learned to debate even when I was wrong. 

Love you, Uncle Mel! 

Your nephew, 

Parker (Number 12)

I was fortunate to meet and know Mr. Northup as Emma's dad; Emma being a longtime colleague and friend of mine. He will most certainly be missed by all who knew him as a husband, father,  friend, teacher, etc.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this lovely man. With sincerest condolences, Amy

One of the nicest persons I've ever met. He was my colleague for over 20 years. A very gentle person with a quiet sense of humor and an easy smile. Students loved him. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to the family.

It makes me so sad to think that Mel is no longer with us.I was his student (a mature one) in NRM.  I spent many an hour in soil pits and tromping around outdoors.  Then I had the privilege of working for Biology and NRM so I knew him as a young professor and an older colleague.   No one worked harder at his profession.    I thought Mel would never retire.  He was a kind man and an excellent teacher.  He always talked about his loving family.  My life is richer for having known him.  Lana Brock, Class of 79.

Mel and Todd Aschenbach installing a wood duck box along the Grand River on the GVSU Campus.

Mel cooking at Howard Christensen Nature Center near Kent City, Michigan.

Mel with Student Chapter of SWCS on one of MANY Adopt-a-Highway cleanups along M-45 near Allendale.

Mel with the Student Chapter of SWCS, 2002

As the Department Chair in the Biology Department at GVSU, I want to express our sincerest condolences to Mel's family for this great loss.  Faculty and staff who had the pleasure to work with Mel over the years have nothing but fondness and respect for him and his work.  We always learned something special in his presence, knowing he laid the foundation for the department we work in today. He loved his students and they loved him.  Since his retirement, he has been greatly missed in the department, and his passing from the earth will be deeply felt.

I was very saddened to learn of Mel's passing.   Mel was my valued colleague at GVSU for many years. I will always appreciate his wise counsel and advice.  His "steady hand" will be missed by the Natural Resources Program, the Biology Department, and GVSU.  Our condolences to his family. 
Sincerely,
Michael & Leslie Lombardo

Privileged to have known Mel and I'm grateful to have been one of his students, rest in peace. 

Your outlook in the Natural Resources Management and Biology field intrigued my interests and your teachings helped fuel my passion for this career, thank you for your time and dedication and I offer my deepest sympathy and compassion to your close family and friends rest easy Dr. Northup. 

Class of 2020

Mel was a great colleague, he was our departmental historian, having been in the department longer than anyone else, when we needed that perspective of how things worked in the past, he could educate us.  He was also a calm, steadying presence regardless of the circumstances.  We're better off having known him for many years.  My condolences to his family and friends.

To the members of the Northup family: please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.  Mel was my valued mentor and advisor from the first day I started as an Assistant Professor at GVSU in 1994 until we both retired in 2020.  I always teased Mel that I would retire before he did, and I think I beat him by about 15 minutes in submitting my written notice to retire when the opportunity presented itself!  Throughout his career, Mel was a dedicated faculty member and teacher, and his tireless efforts were essential in keeping the Natural Resources Management Program vital and relevant from its inception to the present day.  He met all academic challenges with patience, persistence, humility, and humor.  His many colleagues and former students will miss him dearly. 
Sincerely,
Neil MacDonald

I was a student of Mel’s in the environmental sciences department at GVSC from 1971-1975.  I considered him my mentor during that time.  He ran a tight ship, and I respected and admired that.
  Mel possessed a pure intellect and a pure heart.  I will always respect him, and will hold his memory fondly.
  Voyo con Dios, Mel

Kris E. Fisher
GVSC class of 1975

OBITUARY

Melvin Lee Northup

October 11, 1941 – October 26, 2023

Reyers North Valley Chapel

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